In preparation for implementation of the city of San Marcos’s hands-free ordinance, 35 signs have been installed throughout the city reminding drivers that use of hand-held electronic devices while operating a moving vehicle will soon be against the law.

Beginning Feb. 1 drivers in San Marcos can be issued citations for using hand-held electronic devices while operating a moving vehicle. Beginning March 1 citations—and fines of $100 for first offenses, up to $250 for second offenses and up to $500 for subsequent offenses—can be issued.

San Marcos was the last city between Austin and San Antonio without such an ordinance, which was adopted by City Council in November. Kyle and Buda each adopted ordinances earlier in 2015.

“I feel like we’re at a point where people do know about [hands-free ordinances in Central Texas],” Stapp said. “We were the last community in this area along the I-35 corridor in Central Texas to enact an ordinance.”

Officials in Kyle and Buda reported that there have not been any citations issued in either city as a result of the hands-free ordinances. Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett said in early January he suspects that because the ordinances have become commonplace in Central Texas, his department will issue citations in 2016.

Stapp agreed that drivers in Central Texas are likely aware of the laws by now.

“I do expect there will be some citations issued,” Stapp said. “Our officers write about one citation for every three or four warnings they issue, so they issue far more warnings than they do citations. I think that will hold true for this new ordinance as well.”

Stapp said San Marcos’ hands-free ordinance is different from some nearby cities’ in that it allows drivers to use their device if the car is at a complete stop, such as at a stoplight.